DrPH candidate Anastasia Smith, MPH recently worked alongside a group of international public health advocates to draft a World Health Assembly resolution that implements fortification globally to prevent micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences. This landmark development was approved at the 76th WHO World Health Assembly on May 29th, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, and offers standalone guidance for ministries of health. The resolution, “Accelerating efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects (NTDs), through safe and effective fortification,” marks a milestone for the spina bifida community globally.

Smith participated first-hand in the resolution drafting process that began in early 2022. “I was incredibly fortunate to contribute to the resolution development and to witness the diplomatic process between Ministry of Health of Colombia, WHO liaison and civil/scientific community.” Smith participated in organization of the side events during the 2022 and 2023 World Health Assemblies to bring further awareness to the necessity of passing resolution to prevent health conditions such as spina bifida that result from micronutrient deficiencies, and in this case, folate. Coincidentally, Smith’s dissertation work is focusing on the prevention of spina bifida through the fortification of salt with folic acid and iodine. Her career goal is to affect policies on global scale to advocate for folic acid fortification as the most effective and safe public health strategy. Therefore, it was a meaningful experience to be part of a multi-disciplinary team that worked together and produced such important policy recommendation.

Smith was able to attend the assembly in-person, observe the discussions and adoption of resolutions, and interact with members of several countries health delegations. “It was incredible to listen to delegates from more than 15 countries make floor statements in support of our resolution. Attending the assembly in person provided a surreal experience, while proving that we can make a difference by hopefully preventing spina bifida in over 300,000 pregnancies.”

Anastasia Smith, MPH is a fourth year DrPH student in the Department of Health Policy and Organization and a clinical research manager at the Department of Neurosurgery within the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Read the full article from the Department of Neurosurgery to learn more.